The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-12-24
BOLD AND EXPERT THIEF.
JOHN F. ELMER, WATNED IN MEM
PHIs, ABOVE THE AVERAGE.
A Daring Exploit in New Orleans Gets
Him Into a Sea Of Complications, but
Ingenuity and Speed Bring Rescue
and Temporary Safety.

John +, Elmer, who figured in tho crimi-
nal record OF Memphis for a short time prior
to December I, is evidently one of the
shrcNdest and boldest Of his class. lie
robbed Mr.. Graham, OF Adams street, OF a
fine gold watch, on the above date, aud,
fearing that further thicving operations were
rendered impracticablc by his partners
loose tongue, fed 10 New Orleans, from
whence he came to this city. Chief Davis
learned this fact and telegraphed the police
of that city 10 look out for and arrest him.
In a short while the reply came that the
game was baggcd, quickly followed by an
other telegram that "the bird had flown"
Yesterday the chief received a letter from
lucien Adams, superintendent o( the New
Orleans police, stating that he held the stolen
watch recovered from Elmer, and, also, q
gentlemnn's heavy gold ring, with initials,
81. c. engraved therein. The letter also
contained the following interesting account
Of the prisoners escape from custody, taken
from a New Orleans paper Of date Deccm-
brr 81:
'Some days ago Chief of Detectives Malone
received n letter from Memphis, Tenn, Civ
hlE llt uia'IllAol ul n lllltl Nilltu JOllU y.
Elmer, who bad stolen u doublc-casr gold
watch and $G0 in that city, and, with his III
gotten gains, had fed 10 New Orleans. The
letter requested the arrest Of Elmerand his
detention until a Memphis officer could be
sent after him.
THE ease was placed in the hands Of De
tectivcs Fruthalcr and kcndig. who discov-
cred their man shortly after dark Monday
evening, In company with three other men,
at the corner Of Canal and Dryales streets.
They placed him under arrest and brought
him Ia the Central office.
''rhc watch described from Memphis was
found on his person. lie claimed Ia have
purchased IL. aud stated that il was his per
sonal property. Just about the time that
Elmer was arrested a report was sent Ia the
Third station giving the description Of four
men who had entered Mr.. John W. Brunct's
grocery aud bar room, AZ the corner ~ II.
Louis and burgundy streets, and while two
Of the party engaged Mrs. Burnct's attention
tl,c third entered her bedroom and stole a
jcwclry ease containing three gold chains
marked NJ. X. from VI. H., valued at SOL.
one ~opcn-iaccd gold watch, two diamond
rings, one pair of diamond earrings, two
amethyst rings two brcastpins. three pair
Of bracelets, a gold ling marked II. A. Pu.
merit 10 G, Quincy, n cross and lOcket.
The thief after getting the booty, threw
WV INV vs. AA' NAHN'ANAH 'RNANNNltfAlE Nv
fact that Elmer vas with three men at ihc
time Of his arrest, aud that the above theft
was committed by four men. Chief Adams
Ant Tor Mrs. Brunei 10 see II Elmer could
have been one OF the men.
when Elncr wns brought into Judge
Davcy's office Mn. Hrinet Identified him ~
The party Who entered her grocery la COM
pany with two Others and engaged her in
conversation about the hour the robbery was
pcrt'etrhicd. Mr. Bfunet's statement !, Ia
the effect that she was standing In her store
about u 10 o'clock Monday evening. when
two well dressed men entered and asked for
two glasses Of beer. One Of these parties she
nov idontifc, Es the thief Elmer. They
asked the price Of the various brands oi bot
tied liquor that adorned the shelves.
suddenly q third party entered, and, al.
dressing Mrs. Brunet asked the price ~
cheese. lie was informed that the cheese wa,
lust out. The two men left the store shortly
aftcrHard followed by the third. when
they had rpne Mrs. Brunei started IN 20
through her yard On her way 20 her bed.
room, when she was startled by finding a
mm skulking near the cistcrn. She called
iur assistance, but before Il arrived the thief
escaped.
The hous, Wa then examined. and ihc
work " the Utbcr discovered.
ELMER was arn,ingcd before Judge Dnyey
OF the change u being n fugitive from jus.
lice. and committed TO the parish prison In
default Of sou bond. lie was then taken
before Acting Recorder SaIubola. and placed
p"dcr bond ~ nsWcr the Brunei robbery.
.J,en the other prisoners were taken o. the
parish prison Ia tho Maria, among utcm
Nhs Elmer.
When his case WIS called he tteppcd out
OF the Maria and started toward ne parish
prison entrance. when he suddenly threw
his cuat IN the face Of Keeper Dominic and
feel down TIE sircet, pursued by tbc officers.
A hue aud cry was uiscd and n large mum.
bcr of officers and citizens Joined In Tho pur.
suit lie sought refuge from ~hispunucn In
a huusc, aud while the officers were search.
ing fur him In another house. where be- was
supposed 10 b.. be- RFiiu appeared un th,
Stnct aud jumped IN car No. l02 ot the
Rampant and nauphin street line and ~.
onIed. The ear was going In the direction
ofCanal STREET
Prom the that John y. Elmer
made his e-catr frum the Maria, the 20,
lice took az the chase aud kept IL up until
midnight last night In hopes ~ capturing
the fugitive. A complete description 81 the
thief was sent 10 al stations. 10 well as y fall
description 81 bis confcdemies. with insiruc.
lion from Chief Adams 90 keep a yigilani
loutout for them. Every nook mud corner
at the city where u VAS thought they might
b. was visited and watched.
while the Officers acre unsuccesSful in
getting Elmer, they we're rewarded by the
capture Of thrc men supposed 20 BE- hi,
pals"
A NICE LOOKING FRAUD.